Premio Strega
Books proposed by the Amici della Domenica
Cinquantun giorni by Andrea Moro
Nominated by Paolo Di Paolo
The Amici della Domenica, the historic core of the Premio Strega jury, have proposed 81 works of fiction in the Italian language, published between March 1, 2024, and February 28, 2025. On the official Premio Strega website, you can find the full list of submitted books along with the respective nomination statements.
The Premio Strega 2025 presents an intriguing proposal: Cinquantun giorni, the theatrical-philosophical novel by Andrea Moro, full professor at the IUSS University School of Advanced Studies in Pavia, renowned linguist and neuroscientist, and former student of Noam Chomsky. With a unique depth on the nature of language, Moro transforms his knowledge into a work that explores the boundary between invention and relationship, past and present.
Set in 1978 Milan, a dark and turbulent era, Cinquantun giorni tells the story of two groups of actors who compete to stage an innovative version of the Iliad. The tragedy of Homer comes to life in a contemporary setting, with its universal themes embodied in the bodies and concrete experiences of the actors. The novel thus becomes a journey into the fears, desires, and radical questions that shape human existence, giving voice to friendship, revenge, love, pity, shame, and the wrath that erupts not only personally but also historically and politically.
With an original narrative, Cinquantun giorni unveils the universal grammar of human emotions, where theatrical rehearsals become a metaphor for life itself, full of challenges and struggles. Paolo Di Paolo’s proposal for the Premio Strega 2025 is not only a tribute to a great intellectual but an immersion into the profound existential questions that transcend every era.
The final vote of the Amici della domenica, which announces the winning work, has traditionally taken place on the first Thursday of July at the nymphaeum of the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia in Rome since 2014. This event is broadcast live on Rai 3.
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